The Ibadan-based agritech firm, widely recognized in farming communities for making quality agricultural inputs easily accessible, highlighted why it has become a central player in discussions on food security in Nigeria.

From the opening of the summit, Afrimash’s pavilion resembled more a hub for innovation and collaboration than a traditional exhibition booth.

Farmers seeking practical solutions, students eager to learn, policymakers in search of scalable strategies, and development partners exploring collaboration all gravitated to the stand.

Leading these discussions was Akinwumi Oyedotun, Afrimash co-founder and chief technology officer, who captivated audiences with his insights on how digital tools are reshaping agriculture.

He explained how technology is not just a convenience, but a necessity in tackling Nigeria’s toughest agricultural challenges, affirming what farmers have long known: the future of food production will rely heavily on innovation.

A key moment came when the governor visited Afrimash’s stand as part of his official tour. Akinwumi walked him through the company’s suite of tools in a practical, hands-on manner.

He demonstrated how a farmer with only a basic phone can order livestock inputs, receive veterinary guidance, track deliveries via the Afrimash USSD code, or connect with trusted suppliers.

He also highlighted AVA, the Afrimash Virtual Advisor on WhatsApp, which allows farmers to send voice notes in local languages and receive instant AI-driven advice on feeding, disease control, and breed selection.

The governor responded with genuine excitement, recognizing the tools’ practicality, particularly for farmers in remote areas with limited access to verified information and inputs. Throughout the summit, it became clear that Afrimash is not merely selling products, it is empowering farmers with solutions they can trust.

Akinwumi Oyedotun’s leadership at Afrimash is grounded in years of experience building impactful agricultural technology on a national scale.

Over a decade ago, well before the current wave of agritech startups, he played a key role at Cellulant in developing the USSD and mobile infrastructure behind Nigeria’s landmark Fertilizer Subsidy and Voucher Programme, which later evolved into the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES).

This system transformed how fertilizers reached farmers by eliminating corruption and ensuring subsidies were delivered directly to the intended beneficiaries, a milestone in Nigeria’s GovTech history, with Akinwumi’s technical expertise central to its success.

Today, Afrimash remains proudly rooted in Ibadan but has expanded its impact across Nigeria.

Farmers increasingly rely on the platform for verified livestock inputs, reliable suppliers, secure payment systems, and doorstep deliveries. For many, Afrimash has become a trusted partner, not just a website.

As the summit concluded, Afrimash expressed strong interest in deepening collaboration with the Oyo State Government.

The company aims to support improvements in extension services, expand access to verified agricultural inputs, and deliver digital tools to even the most remote communities.

By the end of Oyo 2025, one message was clear: Afrimash is not just participating in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, it is shaping it.

One innovation at a time, one farmer at a time, the company demonstrates that the future of farming in Nigeria is digital, practical, and deeply human.

The new service, accessible via *349*791#, was developed with support from global non-profit organization “Acumen”.

It offers a practical and accessible tool for thousands of poultry farmers, especially those in rural areas, who have suffered for years from the circulation of adulterated and poor-quality chicks.

The platform gives farmers the power to confirm that their chicks are sourced from certified hatcheries, potentially saving them from devastating financial losses caused by fake or sick birds.

Ayoade Oyedotun, Afrimash CEO described the launch as a breakthrough moment for the agricultural sector.

“Poultry farmers have endured enough losses due to counterfeit and substandard chicks. This USSD platform gives them control, confidence, and access to quality — all from the comfort of their phones,” he said.

In addition to verification, the platform allows users to place orders for high-quality chicks, track their purchases, compare prices, and access vaccination guides.

Every order made through the platform qualifies for free nationwide shipping to any of Afrimash’s 80 pick-up centers across Nigeria — 35 of which are directly managed by the company.

For farmers who prefer added convenience, home delivery options are also available at an additional cost.

Afrimash is also driving awareness through its newly launched Farmer Ambassador Program, encouraging individuals and agri-enthusiasts to spread the word about the USSD platform in their communities. Interested participants can register via email at chicksmart@afrimash.com.

As part of the rollout, first-time users will receive ₦1,000 off their first purchase when they dial the code and use the referral tag ‘2025’.

According to Oyedotun, the innovation is part of Afrimash’s broader mission to digitize access to farm inputs and provide farmers with tools that enhance productivity.

The company is also using mobile channels to deliver agricultural consultancy services and offers monthly webinars on poultry management and best practices.

With this initiative, Afrimash is not just selling chicks — it’s restoring trust, improving access, and reshaping the future of poultry farming in Nigeria.